Mind of a Monster: The Hollywood Ripper

2000s Hollywood: the bright lights for dreamers who want to become famous. Michael Gargiulo made his name in another way – as a brutal murderer with no mercy. Watching, waiting and stalking his young and beautiful female neighbors, Michael bided his time until his opportune moment arrived – while they were sleeping. Breaking into their safe havens - their homes - he butchered his victims and then moved to a new location in Tinsel Town to find his next target, all while evading capture from detectives who were trying to hunt him down.

In this six-part series, criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward talks with friends and acquaintances of Michael Gargiulo, investigators, experts and attorneys from the case, all to uncover the twisted world of The Hollywood Ripper.
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When he realizes that his demands are not going to be met, incarcerated serial killer Israel Keyes pulls off one final power play. To identify other victims Keyes murdered, frustrated investigators must try and piece together remaining clues. Do his paintings of skulls mean anything, or is he having the last laugh? The investigation into his secret crimes continues to this day. 

Speaking with journalists and detectives, Dr. Michelle Ward looks into potential victims of The Cross-Country Killer – and explores new information discovered in 2024. 
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After getting caught using the victim’s bank card, Israel Keyes admits to killing local girl Samantha Koenig and disposing of her body in a frozen lake. When he gives a horrific blow-by-blow description of how he did it, investigators realize they have caught a very experienced serial killer. But Keyes won’t reveal any more victims unless they meet his impossible demands. 

Speaking with detectives and experts, Dr. Michelle Ward investigates how this master of discretion abandoned his rules and ended up getting caught.
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In Anchorage, Alaska, 18-year-old Samantha Koenig is abducted while working at a coffee stand, sending panic through the city. Police initially struggle to find a solid lead – until the kidnapper delivers a ransom note. Following the trail down to Texas, FBI agents finally catch up with the suspect – a man called Israel Keyes. But he claims to know nothing about the girl’s disappearance.

Speaking with witnesses and detectives, Dr. Michelle Ward explores the search for Samantha – and investigates how this crime differs from the typical Israel Keyes MO.
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In the remote mountains of north-west Washington, Israel Keyes splits his time between taking care of his young family and hunting for victims. When he travels to visit family members in other states, The Cross-Country Killer discovers fresh hunting grounds and develops new methods of killing in secret. Increasingly emboldened, his murder spree culminates in a horrendous attack on a suburban couple. 

Speaking with witnesses and detectives, Dr. Michelle Ward investigates how Keyes perfects his MO – and then deviates from it in search of sustaining the adrenaline high. 
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